Best CPQ Software for MSPs

This is a comprehensive guide on Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software specifically for IT-managed services providers (MSPs). 

What is CPQ? CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) software is a type of business software designed to help sales teams automate and streamline the process of producing accurate and customized quotes for the products and services they offer.

As an MSP, your job is to deliver tailored, complex technology solutions. This is often a fragmented and time-consuming task where mistakes are easy to make—especially if you’re still relying on spreadsheets, PDFs, and emails.

CPQ software enables your MSP business to accelerate the sales process by simplifying the generation of accurate, error-free quotes. 

The top 8 CPQ solutions for IT are:

• ConnectWise CPQ (formerly ConnectWise Sell)
• Datto Commerce (formerly Gluh)
• Quoter
• QuoteWerks
• Salesforce CPQ
• TechGrid
• VARCommerce
• VARStreet

In this guide, we focus on the top CPQ software designed for the IT industry. We understand the importance of highly customizable tools that are purpose-built to meet our industry's intricate needs. 

Leveraging over 20 years of industry expertise and firsthand experience as a former MSP, this carefully curated list is enriched by G2 ratings—a trusted platform for peer-reviewed software analysis. We have also included valuable insights from users with hands-on experience using each tool.

Note: Our list is not a ranking, and they are listed in alphabetical order. 

ConnectWise CPQ 

Standout features: 

• Built-in Calculation Spreadsheet
• Contract Renewal Automation
• CRM/PSA Integrations
• E-signature
• Intelligent Product Eligibility
• Pricing Rules
• Real-time Distributor Pricing & Availability
• Vendor Integrations with Dell, HP, Tech Data

Pricing model:

ConnectWise provides three CPQ packages: Basic, Advanced, and Premium. Each package supports different user capacities, with Premium allowing for unlimited users. The Premium tier offers the most extensive range of tools and functions. ConnectWise does not publicly disclose its pricing.

G2 rating:  4/5 

Summary: 

ConnectWise CPQ facilitates automated quote and proposal generation with pre-built templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and automated product configuration. 

The platform offers live product sourcing for real-time pricing comparison and availability from different distributors and manufacturers. It supports recurring revenue management by automating billing and contract generation for subscription-based services. 

ConnectWise CPQ integrates with your existing PSA and Autotask software and provides centralized product management, maintaining a single source of truth with up-to-date information on pricing, descriptions, and availability.

Some users find the software’s interface less intuitive, making navigation challenging, while also expressing frustration with the lack of robustness in the product catalog management feature.

Datto Commerce 

Standout features:  

• Automated Procurement

• Autotask and ConnectWise PSA Integrations

• Integrated Quoting and Proposals

• Multi-vendor Catalog Management

• Product search

• Real-time Pricing

Pricing model:

Datto Commerce has not provided specific pricing information for this product. 

G2 rating:  4.3/5 

Summary: 

Datto Commerce (formerly Gluh) is a cloud-based platform designed to simplify quoting and procurement for MSPs. It provides a single view of feeds from suppliers and enables the quick creation of easily editable proposals. The platform includes a searchable product catalog and allows for cataloging and approval of devices and products for client offerings.

Customization options like adding videos and images are available in HTML-based proposal templates. These templates also include e-signature capabilities and document security. The software offers real-time pricing and automated procurement features for up-to-date supplier information.

Some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the platform's customization capabilities, finding it restrictive when tailoring their product catalogs.

Quoter

Standout features:  

• Automated Procurement

• Contract Renewal Automation

• CRM/PSA and Vendor Integrations

• Integrated Quoting and Proposals

• Multi-Vendor Catalog Management

• Real-Time Pricing

Pricing model:

4 pricing editions with unlimited user-pricing. Starting at $99/month.

G2 rating:  4.7/5

Summary: 

Quoter’s comprehensive feature set, which includes multi-vendor catalog management, automated procurement, real-time pricing, integrated quoting and proposals, contract renewal automation, and vendor integrations, makes it a powerful tool for businesses in the IT sector.

What sets Quoter apart from other CPQ alternatives on the market is its focus on automation and integration. By automating time-consuming tasks like sourcing and contract renewal, and integrating with major IT vendors, Quoter allows you to focus more on core operations and less on administrative tasks. 

Quoter is also known for their user-friendly interface and customer support. However, users want more customization options for proposal formatting and template-related issues. Customers also recommend improving sorting options for quotes and expanding distributor coverage.

QuoteWerks

Standout features: 

• Bundling and Configurations

• CRM/PSA and Vendor Integrations

• E-Signature and Payment Collection

• Procurement Management

• Real-Time Pricing and Availability

Pricing Model:

Standard Edition starting from $15/user/month. Their concurrent licensing allows users to share licenses in the office without having to purchase a separate seat for each employee. 

G2 rating:  4.3/5

Summary: 

With over 29 years of experience working with VARs and MSPs, Quotewerks is a well-established quoting service for IT professionals. 

QuoteWerks offers product bundling, real-time pricing, vendor integrations, CRM/PSA integrations, procurement management, and e-signature capture.

What sets QuoteWerks apart from its competitors is its extensive distributor linkups and integrations with popular CRM/PSA tools, which facilitate a seamless workflow from quotation to order fulfillment. 

Some users have expressed frustrations with the outdated user interface, steep learning curve, limited customization options, and difficulties when integrating with specific systems.

Salesforce CPQ

Standout features: 

• Approval workflows

• Bundling and Configurations

• CRM/PSA and Vendor Integrations

• Discounting rules for sellers

• Integrated Quoting and Proposals

• Procurement Management

• Real-Time Pricing and Availability

Pricing model: 

Salesforce CPQ operates on a subscription model, with pricing based on a per-user per-month basis. The basic CPQ software is available for $75 per user per month, while their CPQ+ model offers additional features for $150 per user per month.

G2 rating: 4.2/5 

Summary: 

Salesforce CPQ offers guided selling flows, product bundles, and discounting rules. With advanced approvals and order management, it mitigates business risk, accelerates the sales cycle, and provides flexible pricing models such as metered services and consumption-based structures to cater to varied customer needs. 

By automating routine tasks, reducing errors, and saving time, it increases efficiency and enhances the ability to respond dynamically to market changes. With advanced analytics for informed decision-making and strategic planning, Salesforce CPQ empowers IT service providers to quickly generate accurate quotes.

Salesforce CPQ can be complex and costly, especially for smaller businesses. Integration with external systems and customization can also be time-consuming.

TechGrid

Standout features:  

• All digital workflows for sales and fulfillment

• Automation:

  • Approval thresholds

  • Bill of materials

  • Estimated sales tax

  • Pricing

• Curated product and service catalogs

• Customizable proposal templates with eSignature

• Embedded finance with Wells Fargo for subscription consumption

• Marketplace:

  • Connect integrations

  • Explore and activate solutions and tools

  • Find services to resell

  • Real-time pricing and availability

Pricing Model: 

TechGrid offers a dual pricing structure to meet your business needs. The platform fee grants full access to our suite of tools, while the usage-based model aligns with your actual use of the platform. Unlike traditional fixed-seat pricing, we base our approach on Monthly Active Team Members (MATM), prioritizing flexibility and cost-efficiency by charging only for active platform users each month. Find more info here.

Summary

The TechGrid platform is unlike anything else on this list or in the industry.

Our advanced CPQ capabilities set a new benchmark, positioning us not just as an alternative, but as the definitive choice for Service Providers seeking to streamline and expedite their sales and fulfillment operations. 

TechGrid is a quote-to-cash platform designed for MSPs and VARs that reimagines the fragmented and manual IT sales process so you can save time, lower costs and grow a more valuable business.

There are three main benefits we provide for IT Service Providers:

1. Digitally connect fragmented internal and external systems

2. Create automated workflows between systems

3. Easily package, sell, and fulfill technology solutions with flexible consumption options

TechGrid goes beyond CPQ, enabling MSPs to easily connect their hardware supply chain, service partners, and apps through a single online marketplace. 

The platform's capabilities include building custom catalogs, creating bundled offerings, streamlining workflows, and offering tools for upselling services. 

Request a quick 15 min demo to see TechGrid in action.

VARCommerce

Standout features:

• Bundling Services with Products

• CRM/PSA Integrations

• Customized E-commerce Storefronts

• Single platform for data entry

• Real-time Inventory Management

• Inventory Management

Pricing Model:

VARCommerce has not provided specific pricing information for this product. 

Summary:

VARCommerce is a single-entry productivity tool specifically designed for VARs. One of the standout features of VARCommerce is its ability to create customized e-commerce storefronts. This functionality gives VARs and MSPs the flexibility to attract new customers with open storefronts or cater to specific clients with private, branded storefronts featuring select pricing and products.

VARCommerce supports bundling of services with products in a single sales order. Its efficient data entry mechanism allows for easy conversion of quotes to purchase orders and invoices.

VAR Street

Standout features: 

• Bundles & Configurations

• Custom Catalog

• Distributor Connections

• Mobile Quoting App

• Rich Content

• Real-time price and inventory 

Pricing Model:

VAR Street has not provided specific pricing information for this product. 

G2 rating:  3.5/5 

Summary: 

VAR Street's sales quoting software is designed specifically for B2B VARs, aiming to simplify the quoting process by bundling SKUs to create new products, kits, and assemblies with multiple parts. The CPQ tool offers features such as upsell and cross-sell mechanisms, a catalog displaying real-time pricing, and modules for rules and approval workflows.

The platform's distributor connections automate procurement for a smoother sourcing process. It includes automated order processing, an aggregated product catalog, and PunchOut end-to-end to cover each step of the transaction life cycle. 

VAR Street provides a mobile quoting app for sales teams to respond to customer requests in real-time, import data, add new customers, and create quotes on the go. Completed quotes can be presented in VAR's eCommerce Store. 

Some common issues that users have reported include a steep learning curve for new users and a long ramp-up period.

Final Thoughts 

When evaluating CPQ software for your VAR or MSP business, prioritize vertical solutions that can easily adapt to your specific needs.

Many of the software options on the market today are general-purpose, often incurring additional costs and time for customization. The importance of choosing the right CPQ software cannot be overstated, as an ill-fitting tool may lead to costly and time-consuming adjustments.

As you evaluate your options, look for quoting services that seamlessly integrate into your tech stack and offer scalability with minimal effort, so that you’re not left scrambling if business growth brings additional needs or complexities. 

Doing your own research and taking the time to evaluate potential solutions thoroughly will ensure that you make an informed decision and choose the right CPQ solution for your business.